Goodbye sunscreen and swimsuits, hello pumpkin spice and sweater weather. We’re officially on the threshold of autumn, which (hopefully) means cooler temps and a variety new seasonal fun! So bust out your calendar, because we’ve rounded up the best events and activities around the Mile High this month 👇
🍂 Peep Some Autumn Leaves
The aspen groves along Interstate 70 will start to change color this month, with peak vibrancy expected to paint the corridor red and gold around the last week of September. According to local experts, summer weather conditions have primed the Front Range for an especially dazzling fall foliage season.
- Where to go? Popular passes, like Kenosha and Guanella, are worth the trek if you can squeeze it in during the work week when the crowds are thinner. But if you want something a little closer to home, check out Red Feather Lakes just outside Fort Collins.
🧶 Craft n’ Sip
Pack up your beading kit and yarn and head to the Hazel art bar on South Pearl Street where you can stitch and sew over a beverage from the bar, swap inspo with other crafters, and shop the work of local artists.
🐾 Adopt A Furry Friend
There’s just a week left in the Denver Dumb Friends League’s annual campaign to Clear The Shelters (it ends Sept. 10). You can contribute to its goal of facilitating as many animal adoptions as possible by volunteering, donating, or heck, bringing home your own furry new friend.
Help the Denver Dumb Friends League clear the shelter this month! (David Baileys / Getty Images)
🍻 Enjoy a Construction-Free Colfax (While You Still Can)
Construction on the $300 million project to bring bus rapid transit to Colfax begins in October, and it’s gonna be a hot traffic mess. The Colfax Bar Crawl (Sept. 7) is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a construction-free evening exploring Colfax while you still can.
- Bonus recommendation: We suggest also stopping by the newly opened Champagne Tiger in the former Tom’s Diner space 🍾
🌆 Check Out A New Rooftop View
Populus Denver, “America’s first carbon-positive hotel” (aka the “cheese grater building” — you know the one) opens Sept. 18 near Civic Center Park, and it’s bringing the vibes with its highly anticipated rooftop bar, Stellar Jay. On top of the soaring city views, there will be top talent in the kitchen to boot.
🥩 Check Out Second Saturday at CSU Spur
From cooking classes to live veterinarian displays, Second Saturdays at the CSU Spur Campus is a family-focused outing meant to entertain and educate visitors on Colorado’s robust agricultural industry.
- Eat local: Support this month’s “Farm and Feast” theme on Sept. 14 by stopping by Western Daughters Kitchen on campus for a delicious menu of sandwiches, protein bowls, and specialty coffees boasting locally and sustainably sourced ingredients.
💎 Go Rock and Gem Hunting
Explore the expansive world of gems, fossils, and other geological wonders at the Denver Mineral, Fossil, Gem & Jewelry Show — free admission, free parking, and a full day of fun for the entire family. The 10-day event runs Sept. 6-15, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily at the National Western Complex.
- Bonus event: Don’t miss the opening weekend concert Sept. 7-8, featuring local food trucks, craft libations, and live musical performances from Sean Kelly & The Samples and Buckstein.
💃 Get Your Mariachi On
Catch local mariachi band Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra alongside Fiesta Colorado Dance Company and electric Spanish guitarist El Javi for a free show at one of Denver’s best outdoor music venues. Pro-tip: Pack a picnic!
